Chapter 116

Evelyn felt no pity for Cassandra. Those who played dirty games deserved to face the repercussions.

With the college scandal resolved, Evelyn rushed to the hospital after her exams.

Eleanor’s surgery was scheduled for the upcoming weekend, and Evelyn couldn’t afford to miss visiting her.

As the elevator doors slid open, she collided with Beatrice Harrington.

Beatrice smirked, her tone dripping with condescension. "Evelyn, you look awfully pleased with yourself. Did you really think you could’ve handled that mess at the university alone? The Whitmore name clearly pulled strings for you."

Evelyn’s expression darkened. "I didn’t need Nathaniel’s help."

Beatrice scoffed. "Stop pretending. What spell have you cast over my son? I don’t understand why he’s so invested in cleaning up your mess."

"He’s even delaying his engagement to Victoria because of you. Postponing his grandmother’s surgery, searching for a new surgeon—disrupting everything!" she snapped.

Evelyn froze. "What?"

She struggled to process the revelation.

"Still playing dumb? Fine, I’ll spell it out. Victoria’s brother set a condition—he’d only operate on Eleanor if Nathaniel agreed to marry her. But my son refused and quietly sought another doctor instead."

A storm of emotions raged inside Evelyn.

After a heavy silence, she whispered, "I didn’t know."

She had assumed Victoria’s brother would perform the surgery.

Beatrice sneered. "Well, the surgeon Nathaniel found got into a car accident. His wrist is injured—he can’t operate now. The surgery is delayed indefinitely."

"Eleanor’s health is at stake, Evelyn. After everything she’s done for you, would you really use her as leverage?"

Evelyn’s voice was steel. "I would never."

"Then do the right thing. Divorce Nathaniel so he can marry Victoria. That way, her brother will proceed with the surgery."

Evelyn’s chest tightened. "I know what I have to do."

"See that you do." Beatrice turned on her heel and left.

Evelyn stood motionless, Beatrice’s words echoing in her mind.

She hadn’t expected Nathaniel to refuse Victoria’s proposal. On paper, they were perfect—matched in status, wealth, and influence.

Steeling herself, Evelyn entered the hospital room.

The nurse shook her head subtly—Eleanor was asleep.

Evelyn approached the bed, gently taking Eleanor’s frail hand in hers.

The sight of Eleanor’s gaunt face and weakened state twisted Evelyn’s heart. The surgery couldn’t wait any longer.

After confirming with the staff, Evelyn learned the surgery had indeed been postponed—just as Beatrice had said. The lead surgeon’s accident left them scrambling for a replacement.

Leaving the hospital, Evelyn’s resolve hardened.

At home, she discreetly arranged for Victoria Hawthorne to return to the hospital, ensuring Eleanor wouldn’t be alone.

With the house empty, Evelyn retreated to the kitchen.

When Nathaniel arrived, he found her stepping out, apron-clad, carrying a tray of familiar dishes.

His gaze lingered, memories flooding back—the countless meals she’d prepared during their three years together.

But since signing the divorce papers, he hadn’t tasted a single one.

Had she cooked tonight as thanks for handling the university scandal?

At the table, Nathaniel eyed the spread. "No poison, I hope?"

Evelyn managed a faint smile. "Completely safe, I promise."

As he ate, he noticed Evelyn hadn’t touched her food.

Curious, he arched a brow. "Not hungry?"

"We need to talk."